Community Leaders Take on Illegal Foreclosure Ads
If you live in a neighborhood with too many “for sale” signs, boarded up homes, and unkempt lawns, you would likely also see ads nailed to telephone poles and lampposts promising to rescue troubled homeowners from foreclosure. Not only are the ads illegal, but the companies behind them may also be bogus.
One local elected official is aware of the problem…
…As are community organizations. The Chhaya Community Development Corporation (Chhaya CDC) helps homeowners understand the housing scams:
When asked for details on the business practices of 1-888-HELP-161, a representative refused to explain the extent to which the company evaluates the credit history of potential clients. I was asked to provide my email if I wanted further information. The representative provided his company’s name as the “Save My Home Program.” A search on the Better Business Bureau site for the Hempstead-based Save My Home Corp. revealed a phone number that was no longer in service.
What kind of people would be likely to respond ot an illegal pole ad? South Jamaica activist and 2009 City Council candidate Joseph Marthone (D), believes that in certain situations, people may not know where to turn. “Some people might not be thinking in a moment of desperation,” said Marthone.